Page 118 of Rebellious

Though her chin wobbled, she complied, even allowing him to unclasp that fucking bracelet, setting it and the earrings on the nightstand closest to her.

“I thought Momma might’ve helped him,” she said, too fucking smart for her own good. “Made up the difference of whatever he couldn’t afford.”

“Why would she do that when she’s angry with him?”

“You’re right. I guess I could always ask her—”

“If Kaia got wind of that, it would humiliate him.”

She sighed.

“Focus on healing mentally and physically,” he said before she thought of another argument.

“But I have so much going on in my head. I always swore I’d kill Kaia if he cheated and—”

“You can’t truly know how you will react in a situation until you’re in the middle of it. Whatever it is.”

“I guess,” she said. “I just don’t know what to say or do. I don’t know if it would’ve been better if Kaia slept with two different girls.”

“No, it wouldn’t have been. That scenario would be flings. The other is a mistress.”

“Neither of which I like.”

“Neither of which you deserve,” he countered.

“I agree,” she croaked. “That would just be a lifetime of misery.”

“It would be.” He cocked his head to the side. “Suppose you were with me and I’d cheated on you? Would you kill me? Want me killed? Would you give me another chance?”

“I would want you dead, but I don’t know if I could kill you. I probably could have you killed. Facing death puts life into perspective.”

“It does.”

“I don’t think I’d give you another chance, either. Cheating is a religion to you.”

“Hearsay,” he said easily. She had no proof. “I haven’t cheated on Jana.”

“You’ve just disrespected her with me.”

“You should be honored.”

“Be so fucking for real,” she scoffed. “If you do it to your fiancée, you’ll do it to anyone.”

“I know better than to do it to you,” he said evenly. “You’d put me through hell before you forgave me.”

She glanced away. “Probably, but I’d still end up forgiving you. Every bad bitch moment I’ve had are a pack of fucking lies. I haven’t lived up to any of them. I’m nothing but hot air.”

“You’re still finding yourself, Rebel.” He gentled his voice, wanting to cheer her up since she vacillated between annoyance and misery. “I assure you, you’re one of the toughest little termagants alive.”

“High praise from you.” Wrapping her arms around her waist, she grunted. “I’m scared, Diesel. My ribs and stomach hurt so much and whenever I close my eyes, I see them. I see the water.”

Because of Jana. “This house is a fortress. You’re safe.”

“Momma gave me the pain pill and said she’d stay in here until I went to sleep. After a half hour, I pretended to sleep and she left. That’s when I put all the lights on.”

Fuck, that would’ve been a disaster if Aunt Meggie had been in this room when he walked in.

He squinted and glanced behind him. “Did you leave your door unlocked?”